How to Etch Glasses

Etching glass makes the surface look frosted instead of shiny. Using a simple etching technique to create designs on a wine glass, champagne flute, or beer mug is a great way to make personalized gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Glasses
• Glass cleaner
• Paper towel
• Stencil or sticker
• Masking tape
• Rubber gloves
• Etching creme
• Foam or soft-bristled brush

Instructions

Preparing Glasses

1. Choose the surface of your glass to be etched.

2. Clean surface with glass cleaner and paper towel. Avoid touching the glass after it has been cleaned.

3. Apply a sticker or stencil to the glass. Covered areas will be remain shiny. Exposed areas will become frosty when etched.

4. Some stencils can be reused. If you have a single-use stencil and are etching more than one glass, prepare all the glasses to match.

5. Use masking tape to mark off any other areas that you do not want to be etched.

Etching the Glasses

1. Put on rubber gloves.

2. Apply etching creme to glasses using the foam or soft-bristled brush.

3. Allow creme to remain on glasses for as long as package directions indicate.

4. Remove creme from glass. You can use a clean brush and then run the glass under water, or you can run directly under water.

5. Dry glasses to see the full effect of the etching.

Tips & Warnings

• Etching creme and stencils are available at many craft or hobby stores. You can make your own stencils with white contact paper and an X-acto knife.

• Etching creme is chemical. Read and follow directions on the product package. Store etching creme away from children. Supervise children carefully when using etching creme. Do not use etching creme around glass or porcelain surfaces that you don't want etched.

Resources

• Purchase etching supplies